The Gbawe Kwatei Family, descendants of Nii Kpakpa Osiakwan of the Asere Kpakpatse We, has issued a strong public statement demanding an immediate clarification from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) over what it describes as an apparent attempt to obstruct the execution of a Supreme Court judgment and a Writ of Possession relating to the Akokofoto Lands at South Odorkor.
According to the Family, it is the allodial and customary owner of lands situated within the South Odorkor and Akokofoto areas, and says its ownership has been affirmed through a series of judicial decisions culminating in a judgment of the Supreme Court.
The Family says the Supreme Court’s judgment has resulted in the issuance of a Writ of Possession to facilitate the lawful enforcement of the judgment and argues that the execution of the writ should not be subjected to informal interference by any individual, institution or state agency.
Family raises concerns over alleged BNI involvement
The Gbawe Kwatei Family alleges that persons claiming to be officials of the BNI have visited the Akokofoto Lands, summoned individuals at the site and taken actions against persons who were lawfully engaged in activities on the land pursuant to the Writ of Possession.
The Family further claims that these alleged actions may have occurred without the knowledge or authorisation of the Director of the BNI.
It therefore wants the BNI to clarify whether its personnel were deployed to the area, who authorised such deployment and whether the actions reportedly taken by persons claiming to be BNI officials were officially sanctioned.
The Family says the timing and effect of the alleged actions raise concerns about a possible attempt to frustrate the lawful execution of the Supreme Court judgment and the High Court’s Writ of Possession.
Constitutional right to property
The Family has also invoked Article 18 of the 1992 Constitution, which protects the right to own property and enjoy that property without unlawful interference.
It argues that having obtained a final judgment from the Supreme Court affirming its ownership, it is entitled to take possession of and enjoy its property in accordance with the law.
The Family maintains that any action by a state security agency, or persons purporting to act on behalf of such an agency, that prevents the lawful execution of a valid court order could amount to an interference with constitutionally protected property rights.
Warning of contempt proceedings
The Gbawe Kwatei Family has warned that any person who knowingly obstructs the execution of a valid court order could face contempt proceedings.
It says its legal representatives have been instructed to pursue all appropriate legal remedies should the alleged interference continue.
These include seeking an order restraining the BNI, or anyone purporting to act on its behalf, from taking further action on the land pending determination by the appropriate court.
The Family has also indicated that it may pursue enforcement of its fundamental human rights under Articles 18 and, where applicable, Article 33 of the 1992 Constitution.
Additionally, it says it will consider contempt proceedings against any officer or individual found to have knowingly obstructed the execution of the Supreme Court’s judgment.
Seven-day ultimatum to the BNI
The Family is demanding that the BNI, within seven days of the issuance of its statement:
- Confirm whether any BNI personnel have been deployed to the Akokofoto Lands in connection with the Writ of Possession.
- Clarify the authority under which any such deployment was made.
- Confirm whether the deployment was officially authorised by the Director of the BNI.
- Identify and take appropriate action against anyone who may have falsely represented themselves as a BNI official.
- Issue a clear public statement confirming that the BNI will not obstruct, delay or interfere with the lawful execution of the Supreme Court judgment.
- Immediately cease any conduct by its officers that prevents the Family or its authorised agents from taking lawful possession of the property.
Family calls for calm
Despite its concerns, the Gbawe Kwatei Family says it does not seek confrontation with the BNI as an institution and remains committed to resolving the matter through lawful judicial processes.
The Family says it will not interfere with any legitimate investigation that has been properly authorised and conducted in accordance with the law.
However, it insists that no individual should be subjected to unlawful arrest, intimidation, harassment or interference while carrying out activities pursuant to a valid court order.
It further argues that anyone who has a legitimate objection to the execution of the Writ of Possession should seek redress through the appropriate court rather than attempting to prevent the enforcement of the order through other means.
The Family has consequently urged developers, occupants, claimants, security personnel and all other persons connected to the Akokofoto Lands to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course.
The statement was issued on 12 August 2026 and signed by Solomon Afutu Quartey, PhD, Family Secretary of the Gbawe Kwatei Family.
Contributor: David Ansah
